”Stage two has been ready and quality assured for some time. But we chose not to commission it until now, when the user organisations have begun to connect to it” explains Nils Svartz, Head of the Rakel unit within the Swedish Emergency Management Agency.

The Police force who are already connected to the first stage now make the move to stage two as well. The Swedish Radiation Protection Authority (SSI) and SOS Alarm in Stockholm and Uppsala are two other players that are changing over to Rakel.

5000 users of the System
At present there are approximately 5000 registered users of the system. On completion in 2010 it is hoped that all 50 000 users will be operational.

The consortium consisting of Saab Communication, Eltel Networks and EADS Secure Networks is responsible for the expansion and reports that the continued expansion is progressing according to schedule. Stage three which covers the counties of Halland and Västra Götaland will be complete before the end of 2007.

Facts about Rakel and the consortium:
Rakel is a new common digital radio communications system for Sweden’s civil protection and rescue services. The Swedish Rescue Services Agency (KBM) is responsible for coordinating the expansion of the system. In order to realise Rakel KBM has appointed a consortium consisting of Saab, Eltel Networks and EADS Secure Networks.

The system is based on an international standard, TETRA, that has been specially developed for civil protection and rescue services. Several countries in Europe have already installed TETRA, including Finland, Germany and Belgium.

The Swedish Rakel expansion is planned in seven stages to cover the whole country, starting form the south and working north. The first stage covered the counties of Skåne, Blekinge and Kalmar and was commissioned during April 2006. The whole system is expected to be completed in 2010. With Rakel Sweden will have a single digital system instead of the 200 analogue systems at present. Rakel gives faster connection times, protection against eavesdropping and better coverage. The aim is that civil protection and rescue resources can be coordinated more easily, faster and better.

Eltel Networks, the leading Infranet Company in Europe, is specialized in planning, building and maintaining the telecom and electricity infrastructure - the lifelines of society. With innovative and efficient solutions and close to 8000 employees, Eltel has a key role in making Europe stronger, safer and more secure. For more information go to www.eltelnetworks.se

EADS Secure Networks is one of the world's leading manufacturers of radio communications, infrastructure, mobile terminals and services for professional users. EADS Secure Networks belongs to the Business Unit Defence and Communications Systems (DCS). DCS, the EADS "Systems House", is an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider combining military air systems, missile systems, communications and intelligence systems, global security solutions, sensor and avionics systems, as well as test and support solutions into a single effective network. In 2006, DS - with its around 23,000 employees - achieved revenues of € 5.9 billion. Read more about EADS Secure Networks at www.eads.com/pmr

Saab Communication, part of the Saab Group, offers qualified communication services and robust tele-, data- and radio communications solutions for the defence, civil security, telecoms and traffic infrastructure areas – nationally and internationally.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.